🔗 Share this article

A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.